Dr Sarah Ruggins - Athlete

Dr. Sarah Ruggins’ story is one of remarkable resilience and reinvention—starting over twice and still finishing first. Now recognized as one of the world’s leading endurance cyclists, her journey defies all odds: from paralysis to podium, she has continuously shattered expectations.

Originally an Olympic hopeful in track and field, a sudden illness left her paralysed for years. After reclaiming her independence, she aimed to break a world record—only to fall just short. Undeterred, she turned to cycling. Just two years later, she shattered the outright world record for Land’s End to John o’ Groats and back, beating the men’s record by nearly seven hours. The media hailed it as “the sporting achievement of the decade.” She remains one of only a few women in history to hold an outright sporting record over male competitors.

Dr. Ruggins has raced unsupported across more than 20 countries in Europe and Africa, braving extreme temperatures, wildlife, and isolation. She’s mastered problem-solving under intense pressure and severe sleep deprivation. Among her many accomplishments are multiple speed records, including the fastest LEJOG return—2,720 km in 5 days, 11 hours, and 14 minutes—and the fastest women’s 1,000-mile time trial ever recorded.

Beyond sport, Dr. Ruggins is a respected leader in finance, specialising in transformation, innovation, and building high-performing teams. She’s an accomplished academic, speaker, and philanthropist, with her extraordinary life soon to be captured in a documentary.